For several years, I studied here 5-6 days a week for various research projects. I finally came to understand the phrase "silence is golden". I couldn't study anywhere else but here, there was a special silence that allowed me focus to become the person I am today. read more

YRL is a modern and brightly lit place to study with plenty of little nooks for solitude. I'm an alumna who has sought refuge here for much needed peace and quiet in The Reading Room (photos posted). No one talks in there. Almost everyone has their head down working on homework. - The library has CLICC - Campus Library Instructional Computing Commons - where you can borrow a laptop with your Bruincard. https://www.library.ucla.edu/about/programs/campus-library-instructional-computing-commons-clicc/ - There are study rooms and pods for group study or working on group projects - reservations required and spaces book quickly so plan ahead if possible. The lower level area is another great place to go for quiet study but do explore the upper floors filled with books. - Lockers are also available though I've never used one. (Check the school website below or ask a staff member for more information.) - YRL has a library special collections (LSC) section for researchers who need to access to archival materials. The website provides guidance on how to gain access. https://www.library.ucla.edu/help/lsc-materials/ This is a good place for resources for students, faculty, and staff who study humanities, public affairs, etc. and there's a convenient coffee bar inside. (I'll edit this review as needed if I've forgotten to mention something.) read more

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Open to Public, much better than most public libraries, lots of quiet and clean spots to focus without distraction. Nice views too. Parking is a little pricey, and not super close. read more

I go here for their extensive archives and I love how organized they are. Can get crowded, especially in the afternoons. Have cruised all the floors of this library, and there are soooo many books here! Really a great place to study as it is a mix of old and new when it comes to layout and technology. read more

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I really like the modern style of the library and the number of pods and study rooms they provide upon reservation. Personally, I don't really study in the library often but this library proves extremely useful for other aspects. Had it not been the study rooms, I would not give it 5 stars. The study rooms provide me a great, personal study area in between classes and provide me sufficient noise cancellation to do phone interviews. read more

School is school. You hear this sometimes. At its core, it's a true statement. You learn, you stress out, you graduate, you move on. It's school. School, though, is so much more than that. Every single one I've been to from elementary to now--college--has been defined by so much more than just simply "school". In fact, so much is about the places you take for granted every day. When I look back at these locations, all I can really do is smile. You know how in a movie or TV script, they always set up a new shot with "SCENE"? That's because the places where your life occurs matters. So many memories are made AT THOSE PLACES, and somewhere such as school where you are all the time, seemingly, makes this so much more obvious. The Charles E Young Research Library, which we all just call YRL, has been the locale for so many of my fondest UCLA memories so far. First, the cafe: Cafe 451, named after Ray Bradbury's famous "Fahrenheit 451". I can't say much about the beverages or food here--I don't like caffeine, and I think the packaged sandwiches look sort of gross--but I can say that I'm glad it's there for those who need it. I remember meeting up here with my Gender Studies 10 TA with some other students to go over some review for the final exam. She was so nice, and it was my first quarter at UCLA so I really wanted to do especially well in the class. It really was an awesome introductory college experience to meet up in a random cafe in one of the libraries; it was as if to say, "In college, almost anything goes!" Second, the study rooms. You can rent these things online for 2-hour periods in advance, and they're really useful for group or partner projects. I remember in particular for my Management 180 class where my group had to create a business and a corresponding business plan all in the span of 10 weeks; we met in one of these to go over our final presentation, which was absolutely the most crucial part of the course. We rented some markers to write on the WALLS (cool, yeah?), a few charging cables for our computers (also really cool, yeah?), and a few HDMIs to plug our computers to the little TV inside (REALLY COOL, YEAH!). We totally nailed that project. Third, the study areas themselves! The first floor is by far the most modern and--dare I say it--futuristic. On it, there's an area with bookshelves and tables that is super nice and has no shortage of outlets, and it's supremely quiet. There's also a POD AREA where there are tons of orange and green cushy pod couches where you're sort of closed off yet still open, and there's a little centralized TV that you can again hook up to. It's really sort of awesome. However, my favorite study areas are without a doubt the floors above. These babies have SO MANY BOOKSHEVLES. The outer region next to the windows are basically tables jutting out from the walls with a little shelf above; there are just tons of them. Finding an outlet is pretty tough for total newbies, but a seasoned vet like me knows where they all are (basically, they're usually a few desks from the corners or in random support pillars). There also are scattered round tables and large group desks around, which allows for some more versatility. I just really love these areas because they feel really old but have a charm to them. I take pride in the fact that a lot of people don't really like going to YRL because of this fact or because there are a lack of outlets or because the whole place can feel really empty and creepy at night. I just really love how I can basically be alone here--at such a huge university like UCLA, it's almost impossible to find quiet time. YRL is there for me. Always. The fondest memories for me are just bearing down with my work and walking all the way to YRL--yes, it's far in North Campus--to get into total study mode. I've coded hardcore programming projects here, worked on some crazy animations here, and studied my tail off here countless times. It got to a point where the janitor knew me and we would have a chat every night. Good times, good times. This is by far my favorite library on campus; I sure won't take YRL for granted for the remainder of my time here...It's what made school not just school for me. read more

Used to go to this place while I was attending UCLA. They have every book ever published on the planet of earth or they could order them. Relaxing nice library that made want to sit and read or study forever read more

YRL is the library of this generation (at least the first floor is). A modern, tech-ed up, counterpart to all the other libraries on campus, YRL is a pleasant break from the all too familiar shabby desks of the reading room in Powell. I might have been there one too many times. Upon walking in, you are instantly greeted with polished floors and a blast of cool AC. On the immediate left, you will find a room with some simple tables and bookshelves. Nothing fancy. But walk through the shelves and you'll soon find some fancy cushioned single chairs for comfortable sleeping, I mean studying on. In front on the right you'll find Cafe 451. A cafe inside a library. Basically everything that Powell is missing, YRL has on the first floor. What really stands out about YRL though are the huge array of green and orange study pods. These pods can be reserved for free online and have monitors and cables aplenty. No quarter is complete without reserving these pods at least once. Gotta live a little, am i right? If you are feeling adventurous, go upstairs and you'll find tons of places running the perimeter of each floor. These definitely aren't your front-page study spots though by any standard. But it's always nice to know it's there for you (since no one wants to study there, just kidding). read more

Disclaimer: I'm not a UCLA student not even a student for that matter (my husband is) but I wasn't a student long ago so I still recall all the all-nighters, and the turmoil (and satisfaction) of finding THE perfect study spot ;) I like to do reading and work at campus libraries and have been to most of them at UCLA. This is by far my favorite! Each floor and even area has a different feel which is great depending on the study mood you're in. --there is an awesome cafe on the main floor --there are really cool little "study pods" that are group tables with computer screens and high-backed couch-like chairs that provide a sense of privacy. --there is an entire ROOM for silent study, for those that need silence and to be surrounded by other like-minded folks. --floors 3-5 are primarily individual study desks lining the perimeters of each floor, by the windows. *Beware- there are only a few outlets spread along the perimeters!!* These floors are a little older and slightly more ghetto than the nicer more modern lower floors. --level A (basement) is yet another atmosphere, kind of a mix between silent study and quiet chatting. Nice mix of group tables throughout and pretty open floor plan (can see the whole room wherever you are). FYI: non-ucla students are not allowed after 7pm (you have to show your Bruin card). -- read more

I worked here for years (YEARS. Four of them, including summers) up in stacks, then down in Interlibrary Loans, then as an ILL student supervisor. I wasted the best vitriol of my life here; I will never be 18-21 again, and I will never reclaim the vile bitterness that laced my love for the library during those years. It's probably a good thing that I've left it all behind. If it could have been a little less ensconced in the North Campus boonies, that would have helped me out a lot during the Summer '02 Walks of Shame. In case you haven't spent much time in libraries of any sort, I will make this very simple. YRL big. Powell not as big. Powell pretty. YRL ugly. Powell comfy. YRL less so, but more conducive to study session-induced nosebleeds. Powell filled with undergrads, usually first and second years. YRL infested with irate grad students clamoring for hard-to-find editions of publications from which they only need one paragraph. Their grumpiness was like a virus that spread through all five floors. I think they need a collective sabbatical. I have big qualms with patrons who steal books, because when I look up a book in the Catalog and see that it's at YRL, I expect it to be at YRL. Many times, it was not. For shame, you thieves of public literature. When you steal a library book, it's not just the book you're taking. You're also robbing young girls of their dreams (of not having to buy it at Borders). This is a great research library and has collections to suit. It has a Special Collections Room where you can read delicate, rare materials at a long wooden table with other seekers of Special Collections, a Reference Reading Room, Performing Arts Special Collections, Microform & Media Services, and it even houses the East Asian Library up on the second floor. The student employees don't care about you and will probably not be helpful, but the full-time staff are professional, knowledgeable and very nice. There are computers stationed to your left upon entrance and study desks lining the walls of each floor, but I recommend checking out a laptop and taking it out to the lovely Sculpture Garden if you're looking to surf or kill time. See you in the HQ's! read more

I'm keeping this short and simple: this place is insane ... and in all the good ways possible. UCLA, I commend you for finally allocating money correctly in renovating a dead library into one of the campus's most AWESOME locations. Here's the deal: you walk in and you immediately feel like you're in a space ship in the year 3000. Bright colors, comfortable seating, and ... did I mention there are spaces with HUGE FLAT SCREEN TVS to hook your laptop up to? I would come here everyday ... except everyone caught on and now invades this library. SO, my advice? Come here early to get a seat ... or at least just walk in here to see UCLA's now #1 library. SO, y'all can ignore the other reviews that say this place is empty. It definitely is NOT anymore. read more

I'm sitting in YRL right now, and wow! It's changed SO MUCH. I actually can't remember the last time I was in here. I think it was about 3 years ago and I was abroad for a year, but I'm back! I walked and was genuinely confused where I was because it's so nice and pretty. It used to be so claustrophobic, shitty, and ugly. However, now there are very modern glass window/walls and colorful couches with huge tv's for you to hook up your laptop to. I'm not exactly sure why this was designed this way since they're not enclosed, so your group talking might disturb others.. oh well! Oh yea, ther are like.. way more outlets now so you can plug in your laptop! Yay!! It's like super empty/quiet in here, so I think I already like it better than Powell! I get a huge entire couch to myself! Bwahhahaha between-class naptimes!! NICE! read more

A library should be inviting and respectful to all types of explorers; young and old; rich and poor. This library gives me this impression after 10 minutes of being here. The first floor entrance is large with many glass doors and opens up to a large plaza that is directly connected to many options available: the check out desk (right), cafe (center-right), stairs and elevator (center) and high tech/modern 1st floor (left). For me, since I attended high school and college during the time of LAN parties and huge desktop computers, I went to the 2nd floor, where there are stacks of books, old-school cubicles and the feeling of hard work in the air. Not to say, that I may frequent the 1st floor if I want to feel like a techie and code something. What the 1st and 2nd floor have in common: both are quiet and both have individual and group study areas. A+! Overall, a great library. If I want to feel inspired by open air and public studying I'll go to Powell and if I want to feel like a hermit, I'll head to the Boelter engineering library. Charles E Young Research Library is a great compromise in between for the avid learner and explorer. read more

This library is the reason I go to UCLA. Well maybe it's just one of the reasons. I know a lot of people like the pods which are great but the library's nice format goes beyond that with lots of study rooms and an easy to find book set-up. Also the librarians are super helpful. For instance the great thing with being a UC student is that you can request a book form other libraries, even government offices if the book is not here. However the process can seem a little confusing but the librarians actively sought to help me out with this. read more

I never go to Powell when Young is a short 3- to 5- minute walk away. Why, you say? Because it is EMPTY. For me, I can't stand Powell because a ton of people walk into and out of the room. It's extremely distracting even if Powell is full of the sounds of people turning pages. SInce there are so many people in Powell, they even start talking! Cannot work. Must get out before I maul someone. To Young, ho! Enter Young. Second floor. Students hunched over large tables. A row of isolated workstations against the wall. Shoddy Wi-Fi access. Less facebook? Less YouTube? I can actually work! The only thing about Young is that it's COLD and the vibe is kind of creepy because of the quiet. On weekends, I sometimes want to bring a blanket with me, but that'd be weird to walk into the library with my Snuggie on. The cold keeps me awake and makes me more motivated to finish so I can leave and thaw. Whenever I use the restroom on the second floor, I swear some sort of specter is going to jump out at me from the brick wall and cackle, "NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW" as it pulls me into the abyss. read more

A major renovation of the library was completed in September 2011! The new space was designed by Perkins+Will and Eva Maddox Branded Environments. The transformation has quickly lead to increased popularity on campus, so come early otherwise your main problem will be simply finding an open seat. For more info: www.perkinswill.com/work/ucla-charles-e.-young-research-library.html read more

This place didn't deserve a review until the much-needed renovation was completed earlier this year. It's now so beautiful, so clean, and so modern!! Well at least the lower levels are. The book stacks still look like... book stacks. But the only thing you need to know: FOOD ALLOWED. #omfgyes read more

YRL is a perfect place to study, whether with friends or alone. There are plenty of pods for having a group study sesh! It is quiet, allowing students to focus on studying or take naps, which I often do! There is a cafe within the library, which has often been very convenient for me when I am half asleep. You can also rent MacBooks for up to 4 hours at a time, which is on the smartest ideas ever. read more

This has to be the best library on campus. Pros -Only library on campus to have a cafe inside of it, named after the late great Ray Bradbury Cafe 451. -The most up to date library there is, it was just remolded and everything looks and feels new. -Their are study areas that have personal televisions for groups, you can just connect it to your laptop and show images on there! -There is no shortage of outlets - Very quiet Cons -Can get crowded on the remolded floors -The upper floors are still old and a bit disgusting and crowded, but there are a lot of empty spaces for quiet study -Not enough outlets on the upper floors read more

Powell has the looks and the comfy chairs (that are usually always taken), but chances are you'll find what you're looking for here. And it will always be URL (University Research Library) to me... read more

I'm not normally a fan of studying in libraries because they make me kind of claustrophobic and sometimes students don't shower(especially during finals week)... But I do like this library a lot and it's one of my favorite places on campus! After the renovation, this place is truly state of the art with its study rooms and really cool study pods that you can hook up to your laptop and work on presentations and what not with your fellow peers. I think you can reserve each spot for about a 2 hour time period which is usually plenty of time to get things done! My favorite thing about this place is definitely the atmosphere. It's well-lit, spacious and just makes me feel productive being here. Although I just graduated and won't be back anytime soon, this was my favorite library on campus to study at! It does get crowded during finals and midterms seasons but there's plenty of private study areas on higher floors, it's not renovated yet so they're more old school, but it's better than nothing! Another plus is that they have a little cafe inside where you can order coffee and pastries! They have chairs and tables there where you can eat, I'm not sure if food is allowed in the study places, but I've always brought my coffee and nobody has said anything! read more

Great peaceful library to study at. It's generally not as crowded as Powell library which is the main library everyone at UCLA goes to. They also feature these awesome chairs in the reading room that are super comfortable to sit and relax in. read more

Love the environment, and i love the fact that theres a cafe inside the library for all your caffeine needs, but im getting sick of the assholes sleeping in the pods. the library is a place to get work done, not deter others from doing their work because youre too busy sleeping at a workstation because you partied too hard with your frat/sorority last night. liek omg raid last night was sooooo willddddddddd just had to knock at @ yrl #yolo read more

Nice library. I like the reading room on the first floor and the group study pods/rooms. The color scheme is modern and the chairs are comfortable. Problems: hours are odd on the weekends (sat 11-5 sun 1-11). - requires bruin card after 7pm - tends to be crowded - bathrooms are always gross, c'mon college students Pros: good for group studying, but can be quiet - cafe in library for coffee pumps - screens in group pods/rooms - laptop check desk - loots of outlets read more

It's a great place to work and study. Just stay far away from the bathrooms which have hand dryers that are as loud as jet engines revving up. read more

Always has a seat (go up to the 4th or 5th floor and walk to the windows), tons and tons of books to look through, quite, and has a map repository! read more

They've really cleaned this place up a lot. It's much more inviting than when I attended UCLA back in 2006. They have a number of computer labs, event/lecture rooms, and lots of study space (not to mention a coffee shop!). If you're a diehard nerd, you might never make it out of this place before heading into other areas of the campus. read more

BEST library on campus. Only downside is that it's so awesome, everyone comes here and it gets super crowded sometimes. The cafe inside is super convenient for a snack or caffeine fix when I'm making use of the outlets in between classes. The library itself is sleek, new, and pretty to look at. Plus they have archives and all kinds of awesome reading material. I also really like the interesting displays they often have in the middle of the foyer when you walk in. The pods in the study area are amazing, especially for group work. It has all the hook ups you need to plug in your computers, link computers, and put your work up on the big screen for everyone to see and collaborate on - and they take reservations! Outlets! Outlets everywhere!! (on the remodeled floors) However, if all the new-ness and futuristic fixtures freak you out, the upper floors still have that old-school dusty library feel. Oh, and its quiet. Like a library. read more

Favorite library on campus. Laptop rentals, reservable study rooms and pods, both with shareable monitors. Quiet reading room, dope basement, and you can go to the higher floors if can't find a spot read more

Hands down the best library on campus! The first floor is so clean and modern and the Reference Reading Room is the perfect place to read. It's dead quiet with huge comfy seats by the windows. The exhibit in the front is pretty cool too. The staff is friendly and helpful. Depending on what time you're there, seats are pretty easy to find. After noon though, the first floor gets pretty crowded, so head upstairs of the basement for seats. The book collection is extensive and is my go-to library for research (Duh!) Go to the top floor for maximum quiet and there's always an empty desk on the upper floors. The only thing that's a negative is there's not enough outlets on the upper floors. read more

I've loved staying at the Guest House. It has exactly everything you need and it's a $5 Uber to Westwood Village. The continental breakfast has been great. If you are trying to stick to a less bready diet, they have plenty of eggs, meats, and fruit. All in all I wish I had another excuse to stay here. read more

Wow, can you say a library is sexy?! The new YRL is just that. Ever since the remodel, it's glistening with brand-new gadgets in its well-designed new spaces on the first floor (the second and up floors look pretty much the same, minus the administrative spaces). Completely redesigned from the entryway to the furthest reaches of the first floor, YRL sports a clean, modern look. It has new exhibit areas; a new, hip, tech-enriched cafe INSIDE the library; ultra-modern study areas that feature chairs, displays, and tables that remind me of space pods with bright, fresh colors; and many small group study rooms with monitors and whiteboards. I'm sure that when the quarter is in session, all these spiffy spaces are filled up and doesn't seem so novel. But, after seeing the construction going on for the past 2 years, it's nice to see the end product and enjoy the clean, modern feel until it gets used and outdated. read more

Not the best place to study. Staff members are rude and unhelpful. They complain about noise when library is set up for group study. I prefer Powell library. read more

It's probably a library thing or it's just this library but some staff members are just always in a really bad mood. Not just that but pods are always taken up during the academic year. Try powell instead. read more

Large area with plenty of space and tables big in an old dated building. Thus not my favorite place to read or stify

This library is truly huge. It's got stuff. Stuff! From the oldest to the freshest in God only knows how many different tongues, and the Special Collections Reading Room is a trip. All you need is your library card. Mine has cost $80 annually. For what I can find here, at twice that price it'd be dirt cheap. Stop blowing your dough on internet booksites, paysan. Best time to get there's before 10:30 am. read more

The special collection archive was extremely hard to use! At first, my requests kept getting cancelled and I couldn't figure out why. The boxes and folders themselves are very confusing and not put together very well. Many of the sources are hard to cite as the information is mostly cut out from the source itself. read more